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Kucinick M, Charles KE, Carter K, Edwards J, Costlow C, Wilkerson M, Seddon D, Marancik D. Comparative plasma biochemistry analyte data in nesting leatherback ( Dermochelys coriacea), foraging green ( Chelonia mydas) and foraging and nesting hawksbill ( Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles in Grenada, West Indies. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 12:coae028. [PMID: 38765884 PMCID: PMC11099945 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Blood biochemistry represents a minimally invasive tool for monitoring sea turtle health, assessing injured sea turtles and supporting conservation strategies. In Grenada, West Indies, plasma biochemical variables were examined in 33 nesting leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), 49 foraging green (Chelonia mydas), 49 foraging hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and 12 nesting hawksbill sea turtles sampled between 2017 and 2022. Plasma biochemistry reference intervals are described herein except for nesting hawksbills, which are represented by descriptive statistics due to the low sample size. Select analyte concentrations were positively correlated with curved carapace length in leatherbacks (chloride), green turtles (total protein, albumin and globulin) and foraging hawksbills (total protein, albumin and phosphorus). Cholesterol (7.8 mmol/l ± 1.6 SD) and triglyceride (6.9 mmol/l ± 1.9 SD) concentrations were significantly higher in leatherbacks compared to foraging green turtles, foraging hawksbills and nesting hawksbills (P < 0.001 for all). Cholesterol was significantly higher in nesting hawksbills compared to foraging green turtles (P = 0.050) and foraging hawksbills (P = 0.050). Foraging hawksbills demonstrated significantly higher aspartate transaminase activities than leatherbacks (P = 0.002), green turtles (P = 0.009) and nesting hawksbills (P < 0.001). Biochemical results provide baseline population health data and support guidance for treatments during clinical sea turtle rehabilitation efforts. They also provide insight into species-specific physiologic differences and preludes further studies to better characterize the impacts of life-stage class on biochemistry reference intervals to better support wild sea turtle populations in Grenada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Kucinick
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | | | - Kenrith Carter
- Ocean Spirits, Inc, Levera, Grenada, West Indies
- Dr Carter Veterinary Services, St. David's, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Jonnel Edwards
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Catherine Costlow
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Melinda Wilkerson
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Dawn Seddon
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | - David Marancik
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
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van de Geer CH, Bourjea J, Broderick AC, Dalleau M, Fernandes RS, Harris LR, Inteca GE, Kiponda FK, Louro CMM, Mortimer JA, Msangameno D, Mwasi LD, Nel R, Okemwa GM, Olendo M, Pereira MAM, Rees AF, Silva I, Singh S, West L, Williams JL, Godley BJ. Marine turtles of the African east coast: current knowledge and priorities for conservation and research. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2022. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Impact of Tropical Cyclones on Inhabited Areas of the SWIO Basin at Present and Future Horizons. Part 1: Overview and Observing Component of the Research Project RENOVRISK-CYCLONE. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12050544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The international research program “ReNovRisk-CYCLONE” (RNR-CYC, 2017–2021) directly involves 20 partners from 5 countries of the south-west Indian-Ocean. It aims at improving the observation and modelling of tropical cyclones in the south-west Indian Ocean, as well as to foster regional cooperation and improve public policies adapted to present and future tropical cyclones risk in this cyclonic basin. This paper describes the structure and main objectives of this ambitious research project, with emphasis on its observing components, which allowed integrating numbers of innovative atmospheric and oceanic observations (sea-turtle borne and seismic data, unmanned airborne system, ocean gliders), as well as combining standard and original methods (radiosoundings and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) atmospheric soundings, seismic and in-situ swell sampling, drone and satellite imaging) to support research on tropical cyclones from the local to the basin-scale.
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Purdon J, Shabangu FW, Yemane D, Pienaar M, Somers MJ, Findlay K. Species distribution modelling of Bryde's whales, humpback whales, southern right whales, and sperm whales in the southern African region to inform their conservation in expanding economies. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9997. [PMID: 33024637 PMCID: PMC7518163 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In southern African waters, information about species distribution and habitat preferences of many cetacean species is limited, despite the recent economic growth that may affect them. We determined the relative importance of eight environmental variables (bathymetry, distance to shore, slope, chlorophyll-a, salinity, eastwards sea water velocity, northwards sea water velocity and sea surface temperature) as drivers of seasonal habitat preferences of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera brydei), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). Using presence only data from multiple sources, we constructed predictive species distribution models (SDMs) consisting of ensembles of seven algorithms for these species during both summer and winter. Predicted distribution for all cetaceans was high in southern Africa and, in particular, within the South African Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Predictive models indicated a more pronounced seasonal variation for humpback, sperm and southern right whales than for Bryde's whales. Southern right whales occurred closer to shore during winter, humpback whales were more likely to occur along the east coast in winter and the west coast in summer, and sperm whales were more concentrated off the shelf in winter. Our study shows that ensemble models using historical, incidental and scientific data, in conjunction with modern environmental variables, can provide baseline knowledge on important environmental drivers of cetacean distribution for conservation purposes. Results of this study can further be used to help develop marine spatial plans and identify important marine mammal areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Purdon
- Whale Unit, Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Fannie W Shabangu
- Fisheries Management Branch, Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dawit Yemane
- Fisheries Management Branch, Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Cape Town, South Africa.,University of Cape Town, Marine Research Institute, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Marc Pienaar
- uLwazi Node, South African Environmental Observation Network, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael J Somers
- Mammal Research Institute, Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ken Findlay
- Centre for Sustainable Oceans, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
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Le Gouvello DZ, Hart-Davis MG, Backeberg BC, Nel R. Effects of swimming behaviour and oceanography on sea turtle hatchling dispersal at the intersection of two ocean current systems. Ecol Modell 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2020.109130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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